In 2022, the Miami Dolphins appointed Mike McDaniel as their head coach, facing the challenge of reviving a team that, under previous coach Brian Flores, posted winning records but failed to crack into the postseason. The spotlight was particularly harsh on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The former first-round pick had a mediocre performance in 2021, throwing 16 touchdowns against 10 interceptions – lackluster figures that saw him barely retain his starting role as the Dolphins flirted with trading for Deshaun Watson.
Fast forward to today, and the narrative around Tagovailoa and the Dolphins has taken a drastic turn, largely credited to McDaniel’s coaching prowess. After surviving concerning concussion issues in 2022, Tagovailoa emerged as the NFL’s leading passer in 2023, securing Pro Bowl honors and resurrecting his career trajectory. This impressive turnaround has significantly lifted the Dolphins’ prospects, placing them as genuine contenders in the league.
This revival under McDaniel’s guidance has not only saved Tagovailoa’s career but also solidified the coach’s position, earning him a contract extension through the 2028 season. Despite this positive trajectory, the Dolphins have yet to convert regular-season promise into postseason success, a pressure point that will likely intensify unless the team can advance deeper into playoff competitions. Injuries have played a part in their issues, with Tagovailoa’s scares in 2022 and significant losses among the Dolphins’ pass rushers in 2023 impacting their postseason performance.
Looking forward, the Dolphins are poised for success, backed by a young promising quarterback, an array of offensive talents, and defensive stalwarts. Challenges remain, notably concerning the offensive line and the reliance on short-term contracts along the defensive front. However, McDaniel’s influence has seen the team’s primary concerns dissipate, warranting the confidence reflected in his recent contract extension.